EP1345018B1 - Infrared imaging apparatus and infrared monitoring apparatus for vehicle - Google Patents

Infrared imaging apparatus and infrared monitoring apparatus for vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1345018B1
EP1345018B1 EP02016640A EP02016640A EP1345018B1 EP 1345018 B1 EP1345018 B1 EP 1345018B1 EP 02016640 A EP02016640 A EP 02016640A EP 02016640 A EP02016640 A EP 02016640A EP 1345018 B1 EP1345018 B1 EP 1345018B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
infrared
signal
target
infrared radiation
imaging apparatus
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
EP02016640A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1345018A3 (en
EP1345018A2 (en
Inventor
Toshiki Seto
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Original Assignee
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp filed Critical Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Publication of EP1345018A2 publication Critical patent/EP1345018A2/en
Publication of EP1345018A3 publication Critical patent/EP1345018A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1345018B1 publication Critical patent/EP1345018B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/02—Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/88—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S17/89—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an infrared imaging apparatus, and to an infrared monitoring apparatus for a vehicle for monitoring areas in front of or behind the vehicle using the infrared imaging apparatus.
  • infrared imaging apparatuses for detecting infrared radiation emitted from a target and for outputting image signals are known. These infrared imaging apparatuses are put into practice as infrared monitoring apparatuses for vehicles for monitoring the area around the vehicles.
  • Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a structure of such a conventional infrared imaging apparatus.
  • Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an infraredmonitoring apparatus for a vehicle which uses the infrared imaging apparatus shown in Fig. 6.
  • an infrared imaging apparatus 40 comprises a lens 1 for focusing received infrared radiation such as that emitted from a target, and an infrared detector 2 for detecting the infrared focused by the lens 1 and converting the detected infrared radiation into an electrical signal.
  • the electrical signal converted by the infrared detector 2 is amplified by an amplifier circuit 3, converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter 4, and then, converted to an image signal 6 by an image processor circuit 5.
  • an infrared monitoring apparatus 41 for a vehicle comprises the infrared imaging apparatus 40 which is provided at the front of a vehicle 42 and a video monitor 43 for displaying an image based on the image signal 6 output from the infrared imaging apparatus 40.
  • the image signal 6 output from the image processor circuit 5 of the infrared imaging apparatus 40 is input to the video monitor 43 which displays an image.
  • This image is, for example, displayed as a black and white image shaded according to the intensity of the detected infrared.
  • a driver 44 within the vehicle 42 can monitor targets in front of the vehicle 42 by viewing the image displayed on the video monitor 43.
  • the infrared monitoring apparatus 41 can display targets that are far away and that are difficult, particularly at night, to be seen by the naked eye and thus, the monitored area can be broadened compared to that relying only on the naked eye.
  • the infrared imaging apparatus 40 used in the monitoring apparatus to output an image signal including useful distance information based on the infrared radiation emitted from the target to be detected. More particularly, the infrared radiation emitted from the target is predominantly dependent on the temperature of the target and, thus, the variation in the reception intensity attributable to the distance to the targets is small.
  • the sensitivity of the infrared detector 2 is tuned so that targets at a greater distance can also be detected.
  • the detected intensity of infrared radiation emitted from targets does not vary significantly even if there is a difference in the distance to the target from the infrared detector 2. Therefore, the infrared detector 2 cannot output an image signal including distance information based on the received signal of infrared radiation emitted from the target.
  • the infrared imaging apparatus 40 in some cases is designed so that the infrared detector 2 detects infrared light in a wavelength range of, for example, 3 ⁇ m ⁇ 5 ⁇ m or 8 ⁇ m ⁇ 13 ⁇ m in which transmittance in air is high, from among various infrared radiation emitted from a target.
  • the infrared detector 2 because the attenuation of the infrared emitted from the target and transmitted through the air is small, the difference in the detection intensity of the infrared radiation from targets at different distances is small and, thus, the infrared detector 2 cannot output an image signal including information on the distance to the target based on the received signal.
  • the present invention was conceived to solve at least the above described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an infrared imaging apparatus for outputting an image signal in which the distance to the target can be recognized, that is, an image signal including distance information.
  • US 3,056,958 discloses a measuring system in which a frequency component of electromagnetic signals emitted by a target and attenuated when propagating through the atmosphere is measured and then is compared with a measured frequency component not being attenuated.
  • an infrared imaging apparatus for detecting infrared radiation emitted from a target and outputting an image signal
  • the infrared imaging apparatus comprising an infrared irradiation unit for radiating infrared radiation in an attenuation wavelength range in which the infrared radiation is attenuated depending on the transmitted distance and in which the absorption of the infrared radiation in air is high, and an infrared imaging unit for detecting infrared radiation emitted from the target and infrared radiation reflected by the target and outputting an image signal.
  • the infrared imaging unit comprises an infrared detector for detecting infrared radiation emitted from a target and infrared reflected by a target, and converting the detected infrared radiation into an electrical signal; a circuit for obtaining, from the electrical signal, an emitted light signal which is based on the infrared radiation emitted from the target; a circuit for obtaining, from the electrical signal, a reflected light signal which is based on the infrared radiation reflected by the target onto which infrared radiation is irradiated from the infrared irradiation unit; a weight adjustor for assigning a predetermined weight to the brightness of the reflected light signal; and a signal synthesizer for adding the emitted light signal and the weighted reflected light signal to produce a synthesized signal.
  • the infrared imaging unit further comprises a high-pass filter for passing the high frequency component of the emitted light signal; and that the weight adjuster assigns the predetermined weight to the brightness of the reflected light signal based on the detection value of the high frequency component of the emitted light signal at the high-pass filter.
  • the infrared imaging unit is an uncooled IR camera.
  • the infrared radiation in the attenuation wavelength range radiated by the infrared irradiation unit is infrared radiation in a wavelength range of 5 micrometers to 8 micrometers.
  • an infrared monitoring apparatus for a vehicle comprising the infrared imaging apparatus.
  • Fig. 1 shows a structure of an infrared imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the infrared imaging apparatus of the first embodiment can be used as, for example, an infrared monitoring apparatus for a vehicle.
  • an infrared imaging apparatus 47 comprises an infrared irradiation unit 48 for radiating infrared radiation in an attenuating wavelength range in which the infrared radiation is attenuated depending on the transmitted distance and an infrared imaging unit 49 for detecting infrared radiation emitted from a target and infrared radiation reflected from the target and outputting an image signal.
  • a characteristic of the first embodiment is that an infrared irradiation unit 48 is provided which irradiates infrared radiation in a wavelength range in which the absorption of the infrared radiation in air is high (hereinafter referred to as "absorption wavelength range”) as an infrared radiation in an attenuation wavelength range in which the infrared radiation is attenuated depending on the transmitted distance.
  • absorption wavelength range a wavelength range in which the absorption of the infrared radiation in air is high
  • Fig. 2 shows transmission characteristic through air of infrared radiation of various wavelengths.
  • infrared radiation in the 5 ⁇ m ⁇ 8 ⁇ m range exhibits small transmittance through air and infrared radiation in the 3 ⁇ m ⁇ 5 ⁇ m range and in the 8 ⁇ m ⁇ 12 ⁇ m range at both side of the 5 ⁇ m ⁇ 8 ⁇ m range in Fig. 2 exhibit a high transmittance through air.
  • the infrared radiation in the 5 ⁇ m - 8 ⁇ m range is absorbed by the air while transmitting through the air and is significantly attenuated.
  • the infrared irradiation unit 48 radiates an infrared radiation having a small transmittance through air, that is, an infrared radiation in the absorption wavelength range in which the absorption in air is high, the intensity of the reflection from the target varies depending on the distance to the target.
  • the infrared radiation in an absorption wavelength range is radiated by the infrared irradiation unit 48, the reflected light from a relatively close target is captured by the infrared imaging unit 49 with small attenuation and the reflected light from a target at farther away is captured by the infrared imaging unit 49 with higher attenuation than the light reflected from the target at a small distance.
  • the infrared imaging unit 49 can detect reflected light from the target which is attenuated depending on the distance, along with and superposed to the infrared radiation emitted from the target. The infrared imaging unit 49 can then output an image signal based on the superposed infrared signals. As a result, the infrared imaging apparatus can output an image signal from which distance to a target can be recognized.
  • reflected light refers to the infrared radiation output by the infrared irradiation unit and then reflected by the target.
  • the infrared irradiation unit 48 comprises an infrared source 7 for emitting infrared radiation, a power supply 8 for the infrared source 7, and an optical filter 9 placed in front of the infrared source 7.
  • the infrared source 7 comprises an infrared lamp and emits infrared radiation by generating heat with a filament.
  • the infrared lamp 7 emits infrared radiation over a wide range of wavelengths.
  • the infrared radiation emitted from the infrared lamp 7 is filtered by the optical filter 9 so that only light in the absorption wavelength range is passed through.
  • the infrared source is not limited to an infrared lamp, and can comprise, for example, an infrared light emitting diode, an infrared laser, or the like.
  • the power supply 8 is for supplying power to the infrared lamp 7, and supplies, for example, a predetermined direct current power from the power supply circuit of the vehicle to the infrared lamp 7.
  • the optical filter 9 allows the infrared radiation in a wavelength range of, for example, 5 ⁇ m ⁇ 8 ⁇ m to pass through as the infrared radiation in the absorption wavelength range.
  • the infrared radiation in the 5 ⁇ m ⁇ 8 ⁇ m range is absorbed by the air as the infrared radiation travels through the air and is significantly attenuated depending on the distance.
  • the infrared imaging unit 49 can detect, light reflected by a target and attenuated depending on the distance to the object.
  • the infrared imaging unit 49 is for detecting the infrared radiation from a target and outputting an image signal, and has a basic structure similar to the infrared imaging apparatus 40 described for the related art.
  • the infrared imaging unit 49 comprises a lens 1 for focusing infrared radiation and an infrared detector 2 for detecting the infrared radiation focused by the lens 1 and converting the detected infrared radiation into an electrical signal.
  • the infrared imaging unit 49 further comprises an amplifier circuit 3 for amplifying the electrical signal converted by the infrared detector 2, an A/D converter 4 for converting the electrical signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 3 into a digital signal, and an image processor circuit 5 for converting the digital signal converted by the A/D converter 4 into an image signal 10.
  • an uncooled infrared camera which is one type of thermal unit, be used in the infrared imaging unit. Because a change in temperature of an infrared detector (detector element) caused by the received infrared radiation is detected in an uncooled infrared camera, the range of detectable wavelengths is relatively broad. Therefore, the reflected light of infrared radiation in the 5 ⁇ m ⁇ 8 ⁇ m range radiated from the infrared irradiation unit can be detected. Also, because the uncooled infrared camera does not require a freezer for cooling the infrared detector, the size, weight, and cost of the infrared imaging unit can be reduced and the lifetime of the infrared imaging unit can be improved.
  • the lens 1 is placed in front of the infrared detector 2. In this manner, the lens 1 can focus, onto the infrared detector 2, the infrared radiation emitted from the target and the infrared radiation reflected by the target.
  • the infrared detector 2 detects the infrared radiation focused by the lens 1 and converts the detected radiation into an electrical signal.
  • the infrared detector 2 detects the infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 8 ⁇ m ⁇ 12 ⁇ m as the infrared radiation emitted from the target and the infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 5 ⁇ m ⁇ 8 ⁇ m irradiated from the infrared irradiation unit 48 and reflected by the target.
  • the infrared detector 2 then outputs an electrical signal in which the infrared radiation emitted from the target and the reflected light from the target are superposed.
  • the electrical signal converted by the infrared detector 2 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 3 and converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter 4.
  • the image processor circuit 5 converts the digital signal converted by the A/D converter 4 into an image signal 10 and outputs the image signal 10. It is also preferable that signal processing such as, for example, noise reduction, image defect correction, automatic gain control, and gamma correction, be performed by the image processor circuit 5.
  • the image signal 10 converted by the image processor circuit 5 is output to a display device (not shown) and an image is displayed.
  • This image is displayed to indicate the distance to the target by variably modulating the brightness of the displayed image according to the distance to the target. For example, if the image is displayed as a shaded black and white image, targets which are closer can be displayed in a whiter color and targets farther away can be displayed in a blacker color. The distance to a target can be easily recognized simply by viewing the displayed image.
  • the infrared lamp 7 of the infrared irradiation unit 48 emits infrared radiation and the optical filter 9 filters the radiation and outputs the infrared radiation component in the absorption wavelength range. Because the absorption by the air of the infrared radiation irradiated by the infrared irradiation unit 48 is high, the infrared radiation is absorbed as it travels through the air and is attenuated according to the distance traveled. Therefore, the infrared imaging unit 49 receives both light emitted from the target and the reflected light having an intensity which varies according to the distance of the target.
  • the lens 1 of the infrared imaging unit 49 focuses the infrared radiation from the target.
  • the focused infrared radiation is detected by the infrared detector 2 and converted into an electrical signal.
  • the infrared detector 2 detects the emitted infrared radiation and the light reflected from the target, and converts the detected light into an electrical signal in which the emitted light and reflected light are superposed.
  • the electrical signal converted by the infrared detector 2 is processed by the amplifier circuit 3 and the A/D converter 4, and then is converted to an image signal 10 by the image processor circuit 5.
  • the image signal 10 converted by the image processor circuit 5 is output to a display device (not shown) and an image is displayed.
  • the infrared irradiation unit irradiates infrared radiation in an absorption wavelength range so that the infrared imaging unit can detect infrared light reflected by an irradiated target of an intensity dependent on the distance, along with and superposed to the infrared radiation emitted by the target itself. In this manner, an image signal from which the distance to the target can be recognized can be output.
  • Fig. 3 shows a structure of an infrared imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • elements identical to or corresponding to the elements described earlier in the specification are assigned the same reference numerals.
  • an image signal in which the emitted light and reflected light from the target are superposed is output.
  • the infrared imaging apparatus of the first embodiment in some cases, for example, when many targets are present or when the background is different while running in a city and running on a highway, the distance to the targets may not be clearly distinguishable based on the image signal in which the emitted light and the reflected light are simply superposed.
  • an infrared radiation in the absorption wavelength range is irradiated at a predetermined timing, and an emitted light signal which is based on the infrared radiation emitted from the target and a reflected light signal which is based on the infrared radiation reflected by the target are separately obtained. Then, a weight is assigned to the brightness of the reflected light signal. The weighted reflected light signal is then added to the emitted light signal to produce a superposed image signal. In this manner, by adding the weighted reflected light signal, it is possible to provide an image signal in which the distance to the target can more easily be recognized, depending on the situation.
  • an infrared imaging apparatus 50 of the second embodiment has a structure similar to the infrared imaging apparatus 47 of the first embodiment.
  • an infrared irradiation unit 51 further comprises a switch controller 11 for outputting a switch signal for ON/OFF control of the power supply 8 and a switch 12 for switching the power supply 8 ON and OFF in response to the switch signal from the switch controller 11.
  • An infrared imaging unit 52 further comprises a selector 13 for switching the output destination of the A/D converter 4 based on the switch signal from the switch controller 11, a first frame memory 14 for storing the digital signals from the A/D converter 4 when the switch signal is "OFF”, and a second frame memory 15 for storing the digital signals from the AID converter 4 when the switch signal is "ON” .
  • the infrared imaging unit 52 further comprises a subtractor 16 for subtracting the output of the first frame memory 14 from the output of the second frame memory 15, a multiplier 17 for assigning a predetermined weight to the output of the subtractor 16, a weight adjustor 18 for outputting a predetermined weight signal to the multiplier 17, and an adder 19 for adding the output of the multiplier 17 to the output of the first frame memory 14 to produce a synthesized signal.
  • the output of the adder 19 is input to the image processor circuit 5 which converts the synthesized signal produced by the adder 19 to an image signal 20.
  • the switch controller 11 outputs a switch signal of ON/OFF synchronized with the frame of the infrared imaging unit 52.
  • the switch signal from the switch controller 11 is output to the switch 12 and to the selector 13.
  • the switch 12 ON/OFF controls the power supply 8 at the timing of the switch signal so that the infrared irradiation unit 51 irradiates infrareds in the absorption wavelength range during when the switch signal is switched ON.
  • the selector 13 is connected to the first frame memory 14 during when the switch signal is "OFF” and to the second frame memory 15 during when the switch signal is "ON”.
  • the first frame memory 14 and the second frame memory 15 obtain digital signals from the A/D converter 4. Because of the switching of the selector 13, the first frame memory 14 stores the digital signal when the switch signal is "OFF", that is, the emitted light signal based on the infrared radiation emitted from the target and the second frame memory 15 stores the digital signal when the switch signals is "ON”, that is, the digital signal including both the light emitted from the target and the light reflected by the target.
  • the subtractor 16 subtracts the output of the first frame memory 14 from the output of the second frame memory 15. In this manner, the reflected light signal based on the infrared radiation reflected by the target onto which the infrared radiation is irradiated from the infrared irradiation unit 51 can be obtained as the output of the substractor 16.
  • the multiplier 17 multiplies the brightness of the reflected light signal which is output from the substractor 16 by the weight signal supplied from the weight adjustor 18 so that the brightness of the reflected light signal which includes information on the distance to the target can be varied, and thus, an image signal in which the distance to the target can more easily be recognized can be output depending on the situation.
  • the weight adjustor 18 supplies the weight signal to the multiplier 17.
  • the weight signal can be adjusted into five levels by the weight adjustor 18.
  • the weight signal from the weight adjustor 18 may be changed by the operator on the basis of the situation when the image is captured, or, alternatively, may be adjusted automatically, for example, according to the time of day, such as day and night settings.
  • the adder 19 adds the reflected light signal which is weighted by the multiplier 17 to the emitted light signal output from the first frame memory 14 to produce a synthesized signal.
  • the synthesized signal from the adder 19 is converted into an image signal 20 by the image processor circuit 5 and then output.
  • the second embodiment is configured so that only the reflected light signal is obtained and the brightness of the reflected light signal is adjusted. Because of this, it is possible to output an image signal in which the distance to the target can more easily be recognized depending on the situation.
  • the switch controller 11 outputs a switch signal to the switch 12 and to the selector 13.
  • the switch 12 controls ON/OFF of the power supply 8 based on the switch signal so that the infrared lamp 7 emits infrared radiation at the timing of the switch signal and the optical filter 9 passes only the infrared radiation in the absorption wavelength range.
  • the infrared detector 2 of the infrared imaging unit 52 sequentially detects, through the lens 1, the emitted light from the target when the infrared irradiation unit 51 is not irradiating and the emitted light and reflected light from the target when the infrared irradiation unit 51 is irradiating.
  • the infrared detector 2 converts the focused infrared radiation into an electrical signal.
  • the electrical signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 3 and converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter 4.
  • the selector 13 is also switched by the switch signal such that the digital signal is output to the first frame memory 14 when the switch signal is OFF and to the second frame memory 15 when the switch signal is ON.
  • the first frame memory 14 stores emitted light signals based on the infrared radiation emitted from the target and the second frame memory 15 stores digital signals which include the emitted light from the target and the reflected light from the target.
  • the substractor 16 subtracts the output of the first frame memory 14 from the output of the second frame memory 15 to obtain a reflected light signal based on the infrared radiation reflected from the target which is irradiated with infrared radiation from the infrared irradiation unit 51.
  • the reflected light signal output from the substractor 16 is then weighted by the multiplier 17.
  • the adder 19 adds the weighted reflected light signal to the emitted light signal from the first frame memory 14 to produce a synthesized signal.
  • the synthesized signal from the adder 19 is converted into an image signal by the image processor circuit 5 and the result is output.
  • the second embodiment only the reflected light signal is obtained and the brightness of the reflected light signal is adjusted so that an image signal in which the distance to the target can more easily be recognized can be output under varied situations.
  • the reflected light signal can be obtained by any appropriate method other than the example method described in the second embodiment.
  • the digital signal which is output from the A/D converter 4 is processed by a hardware circuit
  • the digital signal processing can also be performed through software processes by a computer.
  • the emitted light signal and the weighted reflected light signal are synthesized, but it is also possible to synthesize the emitted light signal and the reflection light signal in a predetermined synthesizing ratio.
  • Fig. 4 shows a structure of an infrared imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Elements identical to or corresponding to those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals.
  • An infrared irradiation unit 54 and an infrared imaging unit 55 of an infrared imaging apparatus 53 of the third embodiment have structures similar to those of the second embodiment.
  • a characteristic of the third embodiment is that the weight signal from the weight adjustor 18 described for the second embodiment is automatically adjusted according to the complexity of the captured image.
  • a high-pass filter 21 which passes the high frequency component of the emitted light signal of the first frame memory 14 is provided in the infrared imaging unit 55.
  • the emitted light signal input to the high-pass filter 21 contains a larger high frequency component when the background is complex such as, for example, in a metropolitan area, than when the background is simple such as, for example, along a rural highway.
  • the high-pass filter 21 allows the high frequency component of the emitted light signal to pass.
  • the detection value of the high frequency component at the high-pass filter is input to the weight adjustor 18.
  • the weight adjustor 18 assigns a predetermined weight to the brightness of the reflected light signal based on the detection value of the high frequency component in the emitted light signal.
  • the weight signal for the brightness of the reflected light signal is automatically adjusted based on the detection value at the high-pass filter. Because of this, an image signal in which the distance to the target can more easily be recognized can automatically be output.
  • Fig. 5 shows an overall structure of an infrared monitoring apparatus for a vehicle in which an infrared imaging apparatus is employed.
  • Fig. 5 shows an example structure in which the infrared imaging apparatus 47 of the first embodiment is used, but it is also possible to use the infrared imaging apparatuses 50 and 53, respectively of the second and third embodiments.
  • an infrared monitoring apparatus 56 for a vehicle comprises an infrared imaging apparatus 47 installed near the front of a vehicle 42 and a display device 57 for displaying an image based on an image signal 10 output from the infrared imaging apparatus 47.
  • the display device 57 comprises, for example, a video monitor.
  • the image signal 10 output from the image processor circuit 5 of the infrared imaging apparatus 47 is input to the display device 57 and the display device 57 displays an image.
  • the image can be displayed, for example, as a "distance image" in which the brightness is modulated depending on the distance to the target. Therefore, the driver 44 in the vehicle 42 can monitor the targets in front of the vehicle 42 by viewing the image on the display device 57.
  • the infrared monitoring apparatus 56 for a vehicle is useful for, for example, recogni zing obstructions at night when the driver' s view is limited. Also, because the infrared monitoring apparatus 56 for a vehicle according to the fourth embodiment allows recognition of the distance to the target, the driver can more accurately decide when actions should be taken to avoid a target.
  • an infrared irradiation unit for irradiating infrared radiation in an attenuation wavelength range in which the infrared radiation is attenuated according to the transmitted distance is provided, the infrared radiation emitted from the target and the reflected light from the target are detected together, and the image signal is output. Because of this, an image signal from which the distance to the target can be recognized can be output.
  • a light signal reflected from a target onto which infrared radiation is irradiated from an infrared irradiation unit is obtained and the brightness of the reflected light signal is adjusted. Because of this, it is possible to output an image signal from which the distance to the target can more easily be recognized.
  • the weighting of the brightness of the reflected light signal can be automatically adjusted based on the detection value at the high-pass filter. In this way, it is possible to automatically obtain and output an image signal from which the distance to the target can more easily be recognized.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Photometry And Measurement Of Optical Pulse Characteristics (AREA)
  • Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)
  • Optical Radar Systems And Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Optical Distance (AREA)
  • Transforming Light Signals Into Electric Signals (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
EP02016640A 2002-03-14 2002-07-25 Infrared imaging apparatus and infrared monitoring apparatus for vehicle Expired - Fee Related EP1345018B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2002070304A JP3700778B2 (ja) 2002-03-14 2002-03-14 赤外線撮像装置
JP2002070304 2002-03-14

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1345018A2 EP1345018A2 (en) 2003-09-17
EP1345018A3 EP1345018A3 (en) 2005-02-09
EP1345018B1 true EP1345018B1 (en) 2007-09-19

Family

ID=27764536

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02016640A Expired - Fee Related EP1345018B1 (en) 2002-03-14 2002-07-25 Infrared imaging apparatus and infrared monitoring apparatus for vehicle

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US6919565B2 (ja)
EP (1) EP1345018B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP3700778B2 (ja)
DE (1) DE60222527T2 (ja)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003259363A (ja) * 2002-02-27 2003-09-12 Denso Corp ナイトビジョン装置
JP2007240387A (ja) * 2006-03-09 2007-09-20 Fujitsu Ten Ltd 画像認識装置および画像認識方法
DE102008064104B4 (de) * 2008-12-19 2014-06-18 Aimess Services Gmbh Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum dreidimensionalen optischen Vermessen von stark reflektierenden oder durchsichtigen Objekten
EP2317756A1 (en) * 2009-10-16 2011-05-04 Axis AB Pan tilt camera
JP5060580B2 (ja) 2010-04-09 2012-10-31 トヨタ自動車株式会社 スペクトル測定装置
JP5519381B2 (ja) * 2010-04-09 2014-06-11 トヨタ自動車株式会社 スペクトル測定装置
US9305963B2 (en) 2011-04-08 2016-04-05 Lasermax, Inc. Marking system and method
US9121944B2 (en) * 2013-04-26 2015-09-01 Panasonic Automotive Systems Company Of America, Division Of Panasonic Corporation Of North America Mid-infrared vehicle early warning system
WO2014192347A1 (ja) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 本田技研工業株式会社 光センサの検査システムおよび光センサの検査方法
RU2695032C1 (ru) * 2018-10-08 2019-07-18 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "ИРВЭЙ" Система инфракрасного ночного видения
CN111458725A (zh) * 2020-04-29 2020-07-28 武汉齐物科技有限公司 一种基于红外探测的骑行防撞方法、装置及系统
CN114153001B (zh) * 2021-12-30 2024-02-06 同方威视技术股份有限公司 用于检查货物中冻品的检查系统及检查方法

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4717252A (en) * 1984-07-07 1988-01-05 Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm Gmbh Method and apparatus for detecting distance and forming image of object in turbid medium using laser
US5703639A (en) * 1994-10-25 1997-12-30 Dalsa, Inc. Charge coupled device pulse discriminator

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3056958A (en) * 1960-08-04 1962-10-02 Litton Systems Inc Measuring system
US4561775A (en) * 1983-03-07 1985-12-31 Texas Instruments Incorporated Thermally integrated laser/FLIR rangefinder
GB2165641B (en) * 1984-10-13 1988-01-13 Graviner Ltd Measuring distance to a fire
US4843565A (en) * 1987-07-30 1989-06-27 American Electronics, Inc. Range determination method and apparatus
JP2615904B2 (ja) 1988-09-14 1997-06-04 三菱電機株式会社 電子光学機器
US4947044A (en) * 1989-03-20 1990-08-07 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for covertly viewing a target using infrared radiation
US5534694A (en) * 1992-06-04 1996-07-09 Hughes Electronics Infrared imaging system for enhancing the perception of a scene by a vehicle operator
US5408099A (en) * 1993-09-07 1995-04-18 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Gated image intensifiers for active imaging of reflectors by day or night
US5389788A (en) * 1993-12-13 1995-02-14 Hughes Aircraft Company Infrared transducer and goggles incorporating the same
US5619036A (en) * 1994-04-12 1997-04-08 Hughes Electronics Low cost night vision camera for vehicles and mounting thereof
US5414439A (en) * 1994-06-09 1995-05-09 Delco Electronics Corporation Head up display with night vision enhancement
US6222618B1 (en) * 1995-07-25 2001-04-24 Textron Systems Corporation Passive ranging to source of known spectral emission
US6521892B2 (en) * 1998-10-09 2003-02-18 Thomson-Csf Optronics Canada Inc. Uncooled driver viewer enhancement system
US6476391B1 (en) * 1998-11-23 2002-11-05 Evan Y. W. Zhang Infrared imaging system for advanced rescue vision system
JP4238949B2 (ja) 1999-06-30 2009-03-18 ソニー株式会社 赤外線式監視装置
GB0004351D0 (en) * 2000-02-25 2000-04-12 Secr Defence Illumination and imaging devices and methods
US6420704B1 (en) * 2000-12-07 2002-07-16 Trw Inc. Method and system for improving camera infrared sensitivity using digital zoom
JP3756452B2 (ja) * 2002-01-18 2006-03-15 本田技研工業株式会社 赤外線画像処理装置

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4717252A (en) * 1984-07-07 1988-01-05 Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm Gmbh Method and apparatus for detecting distance and forming image of object in turbid medium using laser
US5703639A (en) * 1994-10-25 1997-12-30 Dalsa, Inc. Charge coupled device pulse discriminator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60222527D1 (de) 2007-10-31
US20030173517A1 (en) 2003-09-18
EP1345018A3 (en) 2005-02-09
US6919565B2 (en) 2005-07-19
DE60222527T2 (de) 2008-06-26
JP2003270036A (ja) 2003-09-25
JP3700778B2 (ja) 2005-09-28
EP1345018A2 (en) 2003-09-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1345018B1 (en) Infrared imaging apparatus and infrared monitoring apparatus for vehicle
JP2003237467A (ja) 車両用暗視装置
KR100947147B1 (ko) 화상 투사 장치 및 화상 투사 방법
CA2219614C (en) Underwater laser imaging apparatus
US7466359B2 (en) Image-pickup apparatus and method having distance measuring function
CA2554955C (en) Gated imaging
EP1452902A1 (en) Visible pointer tracking with separately detectable pointer tracking signal
US6806471B2 (en) Flame detection device
JP2002323302A (ja) 非走査型レンジ撮像システム用のｌｅｄを用いた照明デバイス
JP2000186920A (ja) 形状計測装置および形状計測方法
JP2004045266A (ja) ３次元情報検出方法及び装置
JP2004096345A (ja) 撮像装置
US20110198507A1 (en) Radiation imaging apparatus, radiation generating apparatus, radiation imaging system, and processing method
JP2003270037A (ja) 炎検知装置
JP4369365B2 (ja) 検出システム用事象同期化装置
JP2004229034A (ja) 赤外線照明内蔵型デイナイトカメラ
JP2000134611A (ja) 侵入者監視装置
JP7035989B2 (ja) ディスプレイ装置、判別方法および照射方法
US6674079B2 (en) Method and apparatus for monitoring the interior space of a motor vehicle
JP2001083248A (ja) 監視装置
JP2000066110A (ja) 顕微鏡
JPH11295408A (ja) 目標追尾装置
RU2133485C1 (ru) Способ обнаружения средств оптического и оптоэлектронного типа
JP2004325202A (ja) レーザレーダ装置
JP2013108835A (ja) 監視装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: 7G 01S 17/08 B

Ipc: 7G 01S 17/89 B

Ipc: 7G 01S 11/12 B

Ipc: 7G 01J 5/00 A

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20050214

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20050614

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20050614

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60222527

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20071031

Kind code of ref document: P

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20080620

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 746

Effective date: 20100615

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20120725

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20120719

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20120718

Year of fee payment: 11

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20130725

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20140331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130725

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60222527

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130731